We have begun podcasting in all Social Studies classes. First, I'd like to make it very clear that students do not need an MP3 Player, including and an iPod, to use the podcasts. All that is require is a device with internet access, such as a computer, phone, or MP3 player with internet access. Students have received two days of intensive instruction and hands on work with the terminology, mechanics, and function of podcasting with precise note taking. I highly encourage all Social Studies students to practice accessing their podcasts this weekend. The current podcasts are examples only, they do not pertain to the immediate topics in class. Their purpose is to allow students to practice using the podcasts before they become required homework. In essence, we are learning to crawl before we can learn to walk.
Here are the URL's (website addresses) for the podcasts.
6th grade - http://mail.lourdes.pvt.k12.ia.us/users/andrew.werling@lourdes.pvt.k12.ia.us/6th+grade+World+History+podcast/
7th grade - http://mail.lourdes.pvt.k12.ia.us/users/andrew.werling@lourdes.pvt.k12.ia.us/7th+grade+Geography+podcast/
8th grade - http://mail.lourdes.pvt.k12.ia.us/users/andrew.werling@lourdes.pvt.k12.ia.us/8th+grade+American+History+podcast/
I would recommend copying and pasting the appropriate URL into the address bar. Once at the podcasting website, save the page under your favorites or bookmarks.
Podcasting Instructions:
Open to the appropriate website listed above. Left click on any of the podcasts listed. A new window should appear asking if you'd like to "open with" a suggested default program, or if you'd like to "save" the podcast you have selected. You need to save the podcast. Once you click "save" and click "ok" you'll need to choose a location for the podcast to be saved. I would recommend saving the podcast to your desktop. Saving the podcast to your desktop allows you to easily move or reorganize that podcast at a later date without needing to search for it. After you have selected a location for your podcast, click "ok". Your podcast should begin downloading. Once the download has finished, go to your desktop. You may now open the podcast by double left clicking on it.
Instructions for Transferring podcast file to iTunes:
Open iTunes. I would recommend creating a new playlist for your podcasts. This will keep them organized from the rest of the material on your iTunes. To create a playlist click "File" in the upper left corner. Select "new playlist." You have the option of titling the playlist. After titling your playlist, reduce the size of the iTunes screen by left clicking and hold onto the lower right corner of the iTunes window. Slowly move your mouse to the left. This should make the iTunes window much thinner. Now, move the iTunes window so that you are able to see the podcast file you have downloaded onto your desktop. Drag and drop the podcast file onto your iTunes playlist. To do this, left click and hold onto the podcast file, and move your mouse onto the large, blank white space on the iTunes window where songs are typically listed. Release your finger (stop holding) from the mouse. The podcast file should appear on your playlist.
